The Hindu Impact: Minister seeks report on Wildlife First objections to KIOCL forest clearance plea

Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre on Saturday directed the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) to submit a detailed report within seven days on the issues raised by Praveen Bhargav, trustee of Wildlife First, a non-government organisation, over the proposal by Kudremukh Iron Ore Company Limited (KIOCL) seeking ex-post facto forest clearance for the alleged illegal submergence of forest land in the Kudremukh region. The directive follows a report published by The Hindu on December 24, 2025, which highlighted Wildlife First’s appeal to the Karnataka government to reject KIOCL’s application for retrospective forest clearance. In his order, Mr. Khandre asked the PCCF to examine all aspects raised in the representation and furnish a detailed report by seven days. In his letter to senior forest department officials, Mr. Bhargav expressed shock that the proposal was being considered at all, arguing that it should have been rejected outright. He cited observations made by the Conservator of Forests (Mangaluru), who reportedly stated that ex-post facto clearance ought not to be granted in this case. Mr. Bhargav urged the State government to reject KIOCL’s proposal and ensure recovery of ₹139.15 crore as penalty for the alleged violations. He also demanded that 1,401 hectares of government land be formally included within the boundaries of Kudremukh National Park. Mr. Bhargav had addressed his letter to Additional Chief Secretary (Forests, Ecology and Environment) Anjum Parvez, PCCF and Head of Forest Force Meenakshi Negi, PCCF and Chief Wildlife Warden P.C. Ray, and PCCF (Forest Conservation) Mahesh B. Shirur. Published - December 27, 2025 10:04 pm IST

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